Chalaiden

''Chalaiden'' (), or ''Source: Chalai den'' (), is a satirical internet meme that emerged on social media in Bangladesh during the July Revolution, as well as the events that followed. The phrase is especially used in opposition to the spread of rumours and misinformation—particularly those propagated by the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party, the Awami League.

Background

It is not precisely known how the phrase ''chalaiden'' first came into discussion. However, near the end of the movement, a screenshot from a WhatsApp group of Chhatra League members circulated on social media. In it, one member was seen instructing others to fabricate a false news story and ''chalai den'' (i.e., "spread it") among the group.

Additionally, in another instance, a group member copied and shared the fake news but forgot to delete the directive ''chalaiden'' from the message. As a result, the post—with the instruction still visible—was published, unintentionally exposing the manipulation attempt. From this blunder, the phrase ''chalaiden'' gained popularity.

Usage

During the movement and the period that followed, social media users began to use the phrase ''Chalai den'' or ''Source: Chalai den'' sarcastically whenever fake news or potentially fake information was spread—or even attempted to be spread. After a one-point movement was declared on 3 August 2024 at the Shaheed Minar, calling for Sheikh Hasina's resignation, the circulation of fake news surged.

Rumours began spreading about Students Against Discrimination coordinators allegedly taking bribes, large amounts of cash being recovered from their homes in RAB raids, or claims that they had fled Dhaka—none of which were substantiated. In addition, there were instances of forged signatures of various Chhatra League leaders and misuse of news card templates from several media outlets to circulate disinformation.

These fake reports were mainly pushed for two reasons: to suppress the protesters and to boost the morale of the Chhatra League.

Even after Sheikh Hasina stepped down and an interim government was formed, the rumour mill around the new government continued. A report by ''BBC Bangla'' pointed to a longstanding lack of freedom of expression and resulting distrust in mainstream media as reasons for the public’s growing reliance on social media during the protests. It also noted that some individuals opposing the movement contributed to the spread of these rumours in an effort to create instability.

Against this backdrop, on 9 October, government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan made a satirical social media post using the phrase ''Source: Chalai den''.

See also

* Murad Takla

Citations

Notes

References

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Internet memes introduced in 2024
Internet memes introduced from Bangladesh
Bengali words and phrases
Fake news in Bangladesh
July Revolution (Bangladesh)
Criticism of the Bangladesh Chhatra League